The captain's 15th goal of the season, a follow shot from the slot off Stephane Matteau's long rebound, enabled the Sharks to rally from a two-goal third-period deficit and earn a 4-4 tie with Calgary. Mike Ricci and Niklas Sundstrom scored power-play goals and Bryan Marchment scored shorthanded in the final period for the hosts.

The late comeback and point in the standings were San Jose's only consolation of the day.

Team physician Dr. Arthur Ting is scheduled to perform surgery tonight to repair Damphousse's dislocated right shoulder and repair ligament damage. Damphousse, 33, is expected to miss at least three months, or the rest of the regular season.

"You never know until the procedure is done," said general manager Dean Lombardi, adding Damphousse is hoping to return for the start of the postseason. "Sometimes the rehab can be shorter or longer. It just depends on how everything goes."

In pursuit of a loose puck, Damphousse tangled with Detroit forward Tomas Holmstrom and fell awkwardly near the boards at 6:14 of the first period Monday night. After needing assistance off the ice, Damphousse returned to skate his third and final shift during a power play at 11:25.

"It's funny, it's not the big hits, but the ones that don't look as bad that can do the damage," Lombardi said.

"I felt it go out and them come back in," Damphousse said. "I told my family that night that I didn't think it was that bad."

The Sharks now find themselves without their leading scorer through 44 games (46 points), an alternate captain and a top-line center who was used in all situations.

"It's part of the game. We can't cry about it," coach Darryl Sutter said. "That would be a defeatist attitude. We know that we are in a playoff race and we have to stay in it."

"Everyone has to pick up the slack," said fourth-year center Patrick Marleau, the team's leader in goals and prime candidate to move up to the top line. "We are all a little stunned, but we played without Owen and did OK."

The decision to opt for surgery was Damphousse's, but Lombardi couldn't disagree.

"You have to look at the big picture," the GM said. "He could try to play through it, but that might make the injury worse in the end."

Damphousse is in the second season of a four-year, $18-million deal signed in June 1999. There's a club option for the 2003-04 season, which means only Nolan's six-year deal through 2004-05 is longer. Damphousse is earning $4 million this year, which ranks second to Nolan's $4.75 million.

"It's unfortunate, but it's just another test for this team," Lombardi said.

"Colorado, St. Louis and Detroit are all beat up, but they keep going. Injuries are not exclusive to us. You can't just go out and get another Vinnie anyway."

Although he suggested Damphousse's replacement would have to come from within, Lombardi is surely going to be making -- and fielding calls -- up until the March 13 trade deadline. Against Calgary last night, Marleau, Ricci plus recent minor-leaguers Mark Smith and Jim Montgomery centered San Jose's four forward lines.

"It gives opportunities to the other guys," Damphousse said. "There are 20 minutes a game for somebody. We have great leadership and talent in the room. The team will do fine."

"It fast-forwards everything for the young guys and gives them an opportunity," Sutter added. "Vinnie scored a lot of points, but that is the smallest part of what he brings to the table.